">
2011 Shannons Collector and Muscle Car Auction at MotorEx
Lot
5

1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Targa Coupe (RHD)

$34,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8,350cid
Gearbox 3-speed Automatic
Body Work Coupe
Colour Red
Interior Black
Trim Leather
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Disc

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Corvette Stingray announced in 1968, has been tagged the C3 model in deference to its position as the third generation of America's only sports car. Drawing inspiration from the Mako Shark II show car, the C3 Stingray had pronounced 'Coke-bottle' lines that still manage to look beautiful and aggressive in equal measure. The styling was largely left untouched for the first few years of production and this was no bad thing, as the Stingray's original shape was always going to be hard to better. However, the 1971 Vettes were improved in underneath the skin - the body was moulded using a new resin process while the interior came in for a major revision. The Corvette was sold in either of two body styles, namely a full convertible or the coupe, the latter actually featuring a Targa-type roof arrangement with a pair of removable panels. Major changes for 1973 were a new domed hood, body colour urethane plastic front bumper and a fixed rear window (which added a little more boot space. In 1973 they also came with a new coolant recovery system, new chassis mounts, and steel-guard beam doors.
The "egg crate" front fender side vents of 1971-1972 models were replaced. The 1973 Corvette was the only year that combined the new soft body-colour front with chrome rear bumpers. The Late Larry Shinoda once said that the 1973 model was the best Stingray model because its front and rear styling was the closet to what designers had originally hoped for in this series.